When an event or situation is contingent, it means that it depends on some other event or fact. For example, sometimes buying a new house has to be contingent upon someone else buying your old house first. That way you don't end up owning two houses! Learn the meaning of contingent as a noun and an adjective, with synonyms and example sentences. Find out how to use contingent in logic, philosophy, grammar, and military contexts. Contingent definition: dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional (often followed by on orupon ).. See examples of CONTINGENT used in a sentence. The adjective ' contingent ' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'contingere,' which is a combination of 'con' (together) and 'tangere' (to touch). In its original sense, 'contingere' meant 'to touch together' or 'to happen by chance.' Over time, the term evolved to signify events or situations that occur as a result of specific conditions or circumstances coming together, rather than being predetermined or fixed. When something is described as ' contingent ...